Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday reiterated the state government’s firm commitment to ensure canal water at the tail end of the last field in the State.
“The State Government is duty bound for this noble cause. Already, due to strenuous efforts of the State Government, water has reached the far-flung areas of Fazilka districts. The State Government had delivered a promise made to cotton cultivators of the state that canal water will reach their fields from April 1,” he said.
Expressing deep concern over the gravity of the emerging situation due to the fast-depleting water table, the Chief Minister said that almost all the blocks in the state are in the dark zone as far as the groundwater is concerned.
“It has happened due to reckless pumping of water in fields,” said Mann, adding that the trend needs to be checked immediately so that our future generations do not have to strive for water. “Optimum utilization of canal water can reduce the burden on groundwater thereby checking its depletion,” he added.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government is taking massive steps for the optimum utilization of the canal water to save the groundwater. At present, Punjab is using only 33 to 34 per cent of its canal water which will be enhanced in the coming days, he said.
Mann envisioned that if Punjab can enhance the canal water utilization to 60 per cent in the first phase, nearly four lakh tubewells out of total 14 lakh can be stopped thereby helping in saving water.
Punjab Speaker, wife honour flying Officer Ivraj Kaur
Chandigarh: Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and his wife Gurpreet Kaur Sandhwan on Thursday bestowed special honour upon Flying Officer Ivraj Kaur on her arrival in the State. Ivraj Kaur, the daughter of Hussainpur village in Rupnagar district, has been selected as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force. Meeting her at his official residence, the Speaker congratulated Ivraj Kaur, saying that her achievement would be a source of inspiration for other girls of the state. Sandhwan said that Ivraj’s selection is a matter of great pride for Punjab as it will serve as a pathway for those youngsters who aspire to pursue their dreams by going abroad leaving Punjab behind. The Speaker urged the youth of the state to work hard and bring laurels to their families and Punjab alike Ivraj Kaur.
Punjab VB nabs PSPCL lineman while accepting Rs 40k bribe
Chandigarh: Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Thursday nabbed PSPCL lineman Mohinder Kumar, posted at Khui Khera in Fazilka district, for accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000. The accused lineman has been arrested on the complaint of Pardeep Kumar, resident of Bazidpur Kattianwali village, who is running Balaji Milk Centre at his village. Complainant alleged that lineman Mohinder Kumar had demanded bribe of Rs 40,000 for settling Balaji Milk Centre’s electricity bill amounting to Rs 73,790 for month of April 2023. He informed that for settling the electricity bill of Rs 52,360 in February this year, the Lineman had taken Rs 21,000. But when he received the bill of Rs 73,790 in April, he got to know that the amount of February bill was also included in April’s bill, after which he approached the lineman again and he demanded additional Rs 40,000.
Heavy rain lashes parts of Himachal, alert issued
Shimla: As moderate to heavy rain lashed parts of Himachal Pradesh due to escalated pre-monsoon activity on Thursday, the weather office said more rains are likely over the weekend. Heavy rainfall, thunderstorm and lightning are likely over plains, low and mid hills at isolated places on Saturday, the MeT said. The local meteorological station issued an orange warning at isolated places on June 25 and 26. Heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorm and lightning is predicted over plains, low and mid hills on these two days, while the higher reaches of the state are likely to receive snowfall. The rain and thunderstorm in the next few days could cause traffic congestion, poor visibility, disruption in electric supply and damage to standing crops, fruit plants and young seedlings, the MeT said, advising the administration to take necessary precautions.
Hry CM hands over appointment letters to 11 children under “HARIHAR” scheme
Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday handed over appointment letters for jobs in government departments to 11 children under the Homeless, Abandoned and Surrendered Children Rehabilitation Initiative Haryana (“HARIHAR”) scheme. The scheme is implemented by the State Government for providing educational, financial and employment benefits to abandoned and surrendered children. These children have been appointed to Group-C and Group-D posts in the Departments of School Education, Health, Urban Local Bodies, Health, Women and Child Development and Office of Deputy Commissioner, Kaithal.